'Derby Poker Bourbon Bash' to Benefit TCA

Thoroughbred Charities of America has been selected as one of two charitable beneficiaries of the Derby Poker Celebrity Bourbon Bash, sponsored by Jim Beam and Twinspires.com.

The party and poker tournament will be held May 1 at the Olmsted in Louisville, Ky., and will be hosted by Hall of Fame coach Denny Crum and poker professionals Phil Hellmuth Jr. and Robert Williamson III. Louisville-based Blessings in a Backpack has also been selected as a beneficiary.

Formally known as the Derby Poker Championship, the event has become a must-attend Derby party that attracts an array of celebrities, athletes, jockeys, poker professionals, and race fans looking to kick-off the racing weekend in-style.

"The Derby Poker party has grown into the staple Oaks Eve event for celebrities and Derby guests," said G. Douglas Dreisbach, event producer and general manager of Southern Gaming. "Our goal is to have a first-class event while raising funds and awareness for our beneficiary charities."

"We are thrilled to be a charitable partner of Southern Gaming's annual Derby Poker event," said Erin Crady, executive director of TCA. "As a charitable organization that operates exclusively on donations, we are deeply appreciative of this opportunity."

The event offers guests a variety of bourbon themed food stations, sampling areas, premium open bars, and a celebrity poker tournament. In addition, the Jim Beam Party Lounge features a dance floor, seating, and a premium bar.

Tickets are $100 thru April 1, $150 through April 25, and $200 thereafter. The poker tournament is open to the public with a buy-in of $550. It includes full access to the rest of the event. Tickets and poker buy-ins can be purchased at www.derbypokerchampionship.com.

The event is produced by Southern Gaming and Destinations, the South's largest regional gambling magazine that also specializes in promotions, events and marketing for the gaming industry. It is a division of Louisville-based Bisig Impact Group.